Timing chain replacement: Mercedes-Benz W220 3.2 CDI (648.960)

🧭 Before you start

Fits: platform codes 320, CDI, -L

• Timing position: the crankshaft or camshaft is set and locked during this job

Don't miss

• Never turn the engine in the direction opposite to that of normal operation

🔧 Engine codes this applies to

📐 22 workshop diagrams for 648.960

Real factory drawings for this job — timing marks, bolt locations and routing. Locked in the free view.

📋 Procedure

Preparation and removal

1. Timing chain holding tool:
2. Cylinder head cover
3. Timing chain assembly links:
4. Never turn the engine in the direction opposite to that of normal operation
5. Note: Avoid bending, torsion or traction

6. Fuel lines: crown nuts
7. Disconnect the wiring loom and move it aside
8. Note: Mark the position
9. Stage 2:
10. Disconnect the injector wiring
11. Remove the fuel injector clamps
12. Use the special tools
13. Note: Mark the position
14. Remove the cylinder head cover
15. Turn the crankshaft to TDC for cylinder 1
16. Lock the inlet camshaft gearwheel
17. Use the special tool
18. Check the timing marks
19. Remove the chain tensioner
20. Secure the chain
21. Use the special tool
22. Separate the timing chain
23. Use the special tools to remove the timing chain pins
24. Remove the special tools
25. Pull the removed timing chain pins out of the chain separating tool

Installation and checks

26. Fit the timing chain holding tool
27. Tighten the special tool
28. Remove the special tool
29. Fit the chain tensioner
30. Renew the seal
31. Tighten the tensioner body
32. Turn the crankshaft to TDC for cylinder 1
33. Lock the inlet camshaft gearwheel
34. Use the locking pins
35. Check the camshaft timing marks
36. If the marks are misaligned
37. Remove the camshafts
38. Fit the camshafts
39. Check the timing marks again
40. Remove the camshaft locking pins
41. Refit the cylinder head cover
42. Renew the gaskets
43. Tighten the bolts by hand
44. Check the gasket position
45. Refit the injectors
46. Apply sealant
47. Renew the seals
48. Refit the fuel injector clamps
49. Renew the bolt(s)
50. Tighten the clamp bolt(s)
51. Stage 1:
52. Stage 2:
53. Stage 3:
54. Tighten the cylinder head cover bolts
55. Refit the wiring loom to the cylinder head
56. Reconnect the fuel return line
57. Reconnect the injector wiring
58. Refit the injection lines
59. Reconnect the connector at the Hall sensor
60. Refit the exhaust manifold heat shield
61. Refit the air filter housing and hoses
62. Reconnect the air filter unit electrical connections
63. Refit the engine upper cover(s)
64. Reconnect the battery earth cable

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